East Bavaria - baroque elegance under the "green roof of Europe"

East Bavaria is situated in the south of Germany and is characterised by highland scenery and a number of river valleys, including the Danube valley. The Upper Palatinate Forest, the Bavarian Forest and the Bohemian Forest in the Czech Republic together make up the "green roof of Europe". With a wealth of architectural highlights from the baroque and Gothic periods, one of the most famous noble families in Germany and ancient rural traditions, visitors to the region can look forward to a region of culture and contrasts.

Passau - the "Bavarian Venice"
Experience the laid-back Bavarian attitude to life in Passau, the "town of three rivers" where the mighty Danube converges with the Inn and Ilz rivers. The town owes its almost mediterranean feel largely to Italian architects. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau, for example, is a masterpiece of Italian baroque. With its lavish stucco work and magnificently ornate altar as well as frescos and gilded pulpit, the cathedral is a true work of art. Other highlights include the gigantic organ - consisting of fi ve sections, it is the largest church organ in the world.

Get up close to the aristocracy - Thurn and Taxis Palace
In 1812, the former abbey buildings of St. Emmeram in Regensburg were converted into the ancestral seat of one of the most prominent noble families in Germany, the Thurn and Taxis royal family, making it one of the largest inhabited palaces in Europe. Let the one thousand year old history of the Benedictine monks, the fascinating world of the baroque and the courtly splendour of the 19th century work their magic on you.

Sparkling arts and crafts and a crystal ship
One of the most traditional crafts in the Bavarian Forest is that of glassmaking. Follow the Glass Route, which runs for 250 kilometres linking the towns of Waldsassen, Bodenmais, Frauenau and Passau, watch the glassblowers going about their work and admire the stained glass and mosaic art. One of the town's most stunning sights is the world's first crystal ship, which set off on its maiden voyage in May 2007. With the help of Swarovski, several million crystals were used to create an absolute marvel.

Ringing the changes - the traditional "Wolfauslassen" festival
One of the region's unique customs is the Wolfauslassen festival in the villages of Freyung, Lalling and Rinchnach at the beginning of November. In the olden days, the herdsmen used to put bells around the cows' necks to keep wild animals such as wolves and bears away from the herds. In the winter, when the animals were safely tucked up in their byres, the herdsmen wore the bells themselves to ward off evil spirits. Today, to commemorate this tradition, the locals walk through the villages, stopping at every door to perform a spectacular concert for a small reward.

The Bavarian Golf and Thermal Spa
Region Relaxation for the body and mind 
Five leading thermal spas in East Bavaria have joined together to form the well-known Bavarian Golf and Thermal Spa Region. Enjoy taking to the fairway and being pampered in one of the world's largest thermal spa  centres. With everything from oriental flair and Roman ambience to traditional Chinese medicine, you can pamper your body, mind and soul. You'll also find an extensive programme of cultural events and  entertainment with the typical Bavarian hospitality and laid-back attitude to life.

The "green roof of Europe" - Bavarian Forest and Upper Palatinate Forest

Two of the most popular holiday destinations in East Bavaria, the Bavarian Forest and Upper Palatinate Forest are ideal for walking holidays with their stunning upland scenery.The new award-winning Goldsteig trail turns leisure activities in the fresh air into a real joy. Covering an area of 900 square metres, the Bavarian Forest National Park and the Bohemian Forest form the largest woodland conservation area in central Europe. This was the first and is therefore the oldest national park in Germany and places great importance on letting the flora and fauna develop as nature intended.

Culinary defence - the 'dumpling thrower'
Dumplings are one of the culinary delights of East Bavaria. The town of Deggendorf has a particularly strong association with this potato speciality. A small statue commemorates the 'dumpling thrower', who once helped to relieve the town from a siege. By throwing a dumpling at the head of a scout, she made the attacking army believe that the people of Deggendorf had so much to eat that they could throw it around. As a result, they gave in and retreated. Today, you can sample the Deggendorf dumpling in all its various forms, including as a sweet praline or a biscuit version with your coffee.